The veteran was this year's recipient of the Game Changer award at the prestigious Zurich Summit CEO of FilmNation Entertainment Glen Basner was feted by “Conclave” director Edward Berger as he received this year’s Game Changer Award at the Zurich Summit. During the hour-long talk that celebrated the accolade, the exec fondly recalled working with Berger, spoke about buzzy upcoming releases, and revealed that FilmNation will expand its slate for 2027. Asked about the future of his company, Basner said he woke up on Jan. 1, 2026, feeling that “the business is still challenging, but we actually think we understand it.” That sentiment was something he had not experienced since 2019, in the days before the COVID-19 pandemic.
At that point, the “The Father” helmer was courting Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz for the main role, holding steady in his belief the film would not work without them. We don’t believe that.” “These are people at an age where they have more free time; they have the financial capability […], but we have to deliver films for that audience,” he added, saying the success of titles like “Nuremberg” has renewed his confidence in that particular audience. I’m ready to stand up, raise my fist and pretend I have the same body as ‘Rocky.’” Recalling working with Berger on “Conclave,” Basner said the “learning curve” was getting the filmmaker’s vision on a project instead of solely going by what is on the page.
And you would think, well, that could be a $12 million or $15 million budget. But that really wasn’t the movie that you were looking to make,” he said while in direct conversation with the director. And you get this great collaboration; you get tremendous insights into cultural differences around the world that you get to take with you as a human being and as a professional.”
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